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Memphis Grizzlies: 3 Reasons Why Now is the Best Time to Face Washington

By Christian Dudley

MEMPHIS, TN - JANUARY 5: on January 5, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - JANUARY 5: on January 5, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 05: Dwight Howard of the Washington Wizards warm up prior to a preseason NBA game against the Miami Heat at Capital One Arena on October 5, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 05: Dwight Howard of the Washington Wizards warm up prior to a preseason NBA game against the Miami Heat at Capital One Arena on October 5, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

Washington’s Lack of Center Depth

The biggest name added to the Washington Wizards’ roster in the offseason was that of eight-time NBA All-Star Dwight Howard.

Though Dwight’s hoops career has been spiraling out of control since his departure from the Orlando Magic in 2012, the 2018-19 season is a new chapter. With playmakers and shooters by the likes of John Wall, Bradley Beal, and Otto Porter surrounding Howard, it looks like a winning combination — on paper.

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The Wizards have not found the key to success through their first six games, but Dwight Howard has yet to play. He has been sitting with an ailment, and it looks as if that trend will continue on Tuesday when Washington faces the Memphis Grizzlies.

Though Dwight is no longer a nightly 20-20 threat of a beast in the frontcourt, his absence spells good news for the Grizzlies. Memphis’ lack of frontcourt depth is no secret and they cannot afford to see Marc Gasol and Jaren Jackson Jr. get into early foul trouble.

Memphis can compete if the rookie Jackson Jr. collects a surplus of fouls, as was the case on Friday versus Phoenix. However, the Grizzlies become incompetent whenever Gasol takes a breather.

With Howard sitting out, the responsibility at the center position falls on Ian Mahinmi. Though Mahinmi is a defensive specialist, he is the furthest thing from an offensive threat. It would be beneficial to place Ivan Rabb in some minutes versus Mahinmi so that Memphis lessens the dependency on Marc Gasol.

“Big Spain” proved that he had did himself of injury by Saturday, going for 19 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals in 30 minutes of action. It is no secret as to why the Memphis Grizzlies are a +17.2 in offensive rating when Gasol is on the court in comparison to when he sits.

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